In Nice, the issue of road safety remains at the heart of municipal concerns. Christian Estrosi has obtained new decisions from the prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes. They mainly concern the installation of a new radar and developments on the Promenade des Anglais.
For several months, the Nice town hall has been drawing the State’s attention to the situation on the Promenade des Anglais. The figures are grim: nineteen deaths and forty-nine serious injuries since 2019 on this stretch of road. More than 175,000 vehicles use it every day. The traffic and the speeds observed worry both the residents and the authorities.
The prefect has announced new measures. They will be added to the devices already deployed. Last May, a mobile radar called a “worksite” radar was installed at the height of the boulevard de Magnan. Its role is to curb speeding. The device is mobile and must be regularly moved between five different sites.
In September, a new fixed radar will be put into service. For now, its exact location on the Promenade des Anglais is unknown. Other developments are being studied. Among them, a “green wave” which would synchronize the traffic lights. The aim is to streamline traffic and avoid sudden accelerations. The accident-prone zones expertise unit will also be deployed. It must analyze the most sensitive points and propose developments such as chicanes or raised crosswalks.
Christian Estrosi welcomes these announcements: “For months, I have been constantly alerting the State to the urgency of acting against the dangerous behaviors that cost lives on the Promenade des Anglais. I am delighted that our requests have led to concrete measures. I thank the prefect for his listening and responsiveness: these advances mark an essential step in reinforcing the safety of the residents of Nice. By continuing this joint work, we can make our traffic lanes safer and better protect our fellow citizens.”
However, these choices are causing mixed reactions. The installation of the mobile radar in May has already sparked criticism. Positioned partly on the roadway and the sidewalk, it is deemed dangerous by some users, especially for two-wheelers and pedestrians. Others believe it is mainly a tool for issuing fines. The municipality responds that this device is temporary. It allows testing different locations before deciding on fixed points.
The boulevard de Cessole also under surveillance
Road safety is not limited to the Promenade. The boulevard de Cessole is also in the sights of the municipality. On August 5, an accident involving a mother and her child reignited concerns. The mayor has announced a series of measures.
For several years, the city has been requesting authorization to install radars on this axis. Twelve requests have been sent to the Ministry of the Interior. The mayor considers that the response times are too long. “We had to fight for three years to get a worksite radar on the Promenade des Anglais,” he recalled. Three more devices are still expected.
In the meantime, the municipality is planning temporary developments. At the end of August, work is to be carried out in the lower part of the boulevard de Cessole. The goal is to slow traffic and prepare for the installation of permanent devices. The 30 km/h zones will be closely monitored. Rabah Souchi, deputy director of the municipal police, will supervise speed and noise control operations twice a week.
Christian Estrosi emphasizes the need for local management of radars. According to him, the State hinders their deployment. “You can say 200 times it is limited to 30 km/hour; if you don’t have the coercive means to enforce and apply it, it doesn’t work,” he explains. The official wishes that the Urban Supervision Center (CSU) can directly manage the implementation and regulation of these devices.
The inhabitants of the sector have a mixed view. Some praise the quality of the developments made in recent years. Others point out the persistence of speeding. The mayor met with residents at the beginning of August to gather their feedback. Final decisions should be announced in September.
The Promenade des Anglais and boulevard de Cessole are currently the focus of efforts by the municipality and the State. The radars and the tested developments constitute the first step in a broader strategy. In the coming months, it will be possible to measure the effectiveness of these devices and assess their acceptability by users.
